Harrisonburg International Festival Archives - 91��Ƶ News

New director, a Colombian native and 91��Ƶ alumnus, now at the helm of popular Harrisonburg International Festival

Randi B. Hagi — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 13:22:18 +0000

Boris Ozuna, the new director of , got his first taste of community organizing as a child in Sincelejo, Colombia. His mother was involved in justice work with the group that would become , a regional peacebuilding and human development organization now led by Ricardo Esquivia, one of the original strategic planners for 91��Ƶ’s .

Ozuna, who immigrated to the United States to study peace and development at 91��Ƶ (91��Ƶ), honors his origins in his new role with the festival, slated for Saturday, Sept. 26, at Hillandale Park.

“What better way to help build bridges than organizing this event?” he says. “The festival is like a big wedding … where the whole town decides to get married.”

From Colombia to The Fairfield Center

Ozuna shares a similar background with many of Harrisonburg’s expatriate residents, who have fled war, famine, political or religious persecution.

“Colombia has been at war,” says Ozuna. This background prompted him to think about building peace and local initiatives in his hometown, which led him to 91��Ƶ and, after graduation, to three years of working for literacy and homeless centers in Washington D.C. Last summer, he and his wife returned to Harrisonburg to be near family and continue his education at the .

Shortly after his return, he was hired by to take over for Vaunda Brown, who had directed the festival for 17 years.

Ozuna’s background as an immigrant gives him insight into coordinating the various cultural groups participating in the festival. While the community was “open and responsive” when he first came to Harrisonburg, he found it difficult to identify his role here. That is something he hopes to provide through the festival – roles in which people can be helpful and connected, and still celebrate their separate identities.

Identity is enriched by cultural engagement

Artwork crafted by participants hangs on a line during the 2014 festival. (Photo by Michael Sheeler)

“Differences can either threaten us or awaken curiosity,” says Ozuna. Ideally, he says, by engaging with other cultures, our own identity is enriched and strengthened.

Ozuna stresses the importance of valuing people’s identities and backgrounds while inviting them to join a larger network. Eighteen years ago, the festival was started as a reconciliation effort to promote tolerance within the community. “We invite people to bring and share [cultural] symbols that help them to celebrate with and respect others.”

During the day-long free event, attendees will encounter a reggae band, Aztec dancers honoring the earth, a global fashion show, local artists, and different kinds of food, among “many other surprises,” he said.

Ozuna hopes this will be a “joyful experience” for both educating and forming relationships throughout the community. The new director is “mostly open to learning from the festival this year … and building a good experience with the people who have made the festival happen these last 18 years.”

91��Ƶ is both a sponsor of the event and a contributor. Matthew Freed, recycling crew leader, explains that his department has donated the use of for about eight years. Members of the typically volunteer to collect and sort recyclable materials at the event.

“It is a beautiful festival,” says Freed. “Harrisonburg is a diverse city to begin with, so having a festival celebrating the different cultures within Harrisonburg is a great idea. It is a great learning experience and eye-opening to see all the different backgrounds folks have from the community.”

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteer opportunities include setting up, parking cars, helping with various duties at the event, promoting the festival through social media, or providing monetary support. To learn more, visit the festival’s or email Heidi Jablonski at volunteerhif@fairfieldcenter.org.

Smiles, music, hugs, dancing, food, beauty, love, can be found at the International Festival this Saturday

Kara and Bonnie Lofton — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 19:30:14 +0000

More than 9,000 people are expected to flow through the this Saturday (09/27/14) swaying to music from a half-dozen areas of the world, partaking of food from multi-cultures, perusing international crafts, wearing or viewing national costumes, and making unity flags at a booth staffed by 91��Ƶ, one of the festival’s sponsors.

All of ��ѱ�’s first-semester, first-year students are required to attend the festival – surely one of the most fun “requirements” a student could have. The university is providing free shuttle transportation from the Campus Commons to the festival site at every half hour, from the time the festival opens at noon to its 6 p.m. closing. (On-site parking is restricted – check the for more details.)

“We believe your hearts will be enlarged with the love you will find here, where smiles and hugs and beats that set your feet to dancing will re-energize your spirits in the beauty we share together,” say the festival co-chairs, Vauna Brown and David Kreider, on the event website. (Kreider, who has been a festival organizer for a number of years, holds three degrees from 91��Ƶ.)

In this, its 17th year, the festival is recognized as an annual tradition in Harrisonburg, perhaps the most ethnically diverse city in Virginia. Harrisonburg is also one of the most harmoniously livable cities in America by . Festival organizers believe this is not a coincidence.

“We have a lot of refugees in our community because of the Anabaptist movements and the responsibilities they feel to help refugees settle here in our community,” explains Brown. In the early years of refugee re-settlement, “some of the churches had monthly potlucks and during those potlucks they would sit around and have a brainstorming about what they could do to [further] help.” From this brainstorming came the idea of a festival.

Local civic leaders – from the hospitals to the educational systems to city government – have not only endorsed the festival, they have stepped up to help create a hospitable climate in Harrisonburg. This year’s list of reads like a business and non-profit “Who’s Who” of Harrisonburg, with two of the top eight sponsors being 91��Ƶ and the , founded and directed by 91��Ƶ alumni.

“This year we are really focusing on unity and on the richness of our differences, which bring us together into a whole,” says Heidi Jablonski, an 2014 91��Ƶ grad who is assisting Brown and Kreider. “These differences draw people together to make the valley such an interesting and dynamic place.”

��ѱ�’s with a renowned children’s performer, Jose-Luis Orozco, at 2:15 p.m. This is one of the eight musical performances of the day, which wraps up with the dance-rhythms of a new Eritrean band, Zara.

of ��ѱ�’s is coordinating the making of unity flags, which are somewhat akin to Tibetan prayer flags. “This is a community art project for anyone – children, teenagers, adults – anyone is welcome at the ‘peace and justice area’ close to Pavilion 12,” she said.

“Participants will get a blank square of fabric and they will be able to put on symbols or prayers or poems that talk about unity,” said Amstutz. “Then, if they want, they can take them with them. Or they can pin them on pieces of string, which will be hung around the pavilion.” She noted that this activity fits with ��ѱ�’s focus on .

The festival also provides opportunities for fledgling entrepreneurs to get their start, says Brown, pointing out that at least three restaurants – the , , and – got their first exposures at past festivals.

Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir opens season with famed Jose-Luis Orozco at international festival

Randi Hagi — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 16:50:09 +0000

The will be performing with renowned bilingual educator and musician at Harrisonburg’s on Sept. 27 at 2:15 pm.

Orozco, who performs internationally before enthusiastic crowds, will be appearing on the invitation of the SVCC, and Harrisonburg City Schools. “He is our gift to the community,” said SVCC artistic director , who has prepared nearly 40 students to sing with Orozco at the festival in Hillandale Park.

Orozco and SVCC share the goal of gathering children, families, and communities around a singing culture, Hostetter said. Orozco’s performances employ a singalong style, through which he engages people of all ages.

“He’s like an Hispanic Raffi!” said SVCC assistant director Joy Anderson.

SVCC begins its 2014 season with Hostetter stepping into the artistic director position; a renovated office location in an 91��Ƶ-owned house on campus; and aspirations for a new set of uniforms to replace the children’s 20-year-old outfits.

SVCC choristers at mid-September 2014 retreat (from left): McRae Richardson, Rebekah Long, Macy Eye, Trevor Inouye, Riley Joyner. (Photo by Randi Hagi)

To usher in the upcoming term, SVCC held a group retreat at on Sept. 13. Choristers became acquainted with some of this season’s repertoire, while building bonds among themselves and with staff. Rehearsal time, games, dramatic sketches, s’mores, and scampering about the woods packed the 11-hour day at the camp.

Hostetter’s passion for musical education is rooted in her own experiences as a high school chorister. “I learned much about listening and connecting to the people around me in those years,” said Hostetter. “I experienced the way community can be built through the members who give, based on what is needed for the good of the group.”

As a musical instructor, she fondly remembers the transformation of in Dayton (Va.) during her years teaching there. Singing “was not cool” when she arrived, but both attendance and camaraderie burgeoned under her tutelage.

Transposing these experiences into her new position with SVCC is akin to “stepping off a plane into a beautiful flowering field.”

Hostetter is familiar with said field in her prior roles of SVCC parent and guest conductor, but now assumes full responsibility for nurturing SVCC. Studying the choirs inside and out helps her “ensure the ongoing success and continued growth of an already strong and flourishing organization.”

SVCC’s strength and prolificity are evident in their history. They have performed at the White House, Carnegie Hall, two Mahatma Gandhi Global Nonviolence Award ceremonies, and the Tuscany International Children’s Chorus Festival in Italy, among other illustrious venues.

“People are always shocked when they hear us,” said Anderson. She says it is “unheard of” to be this well known, given that SVCC is not based in a major urban area.

There are currently 157 students enrolled for the school year in and performing choir programs. Music Explorers consists of students in kindergarten through third grade, with an emphasis on basic choral education. The performing choirs, made up of the preparatory, treble, and concert choirs, are divided based on age and singing prowess. Preparatory choir eligibility begins in second grade, and students must audition for acceptance into each level. Concert choir, with students from sixth to twelfth grade, is the longest-distance touring group of SVCC.

Participants come from families of Mennonite, Jewish, other Christian, and no religious inclination. This diversity of faith tradition is key to SVCC’s character. “We want this to be a very inclusive atmosphere,” said Anderson.

“Cultivated properly,” Hostetter said, “choral ensembles can give students a place of learning and belonging.”

Other upcoming SVCC performances include:

JMU’s production of “La Bohéme” by Giacomo Puccini, in which nine concert choir students will make up the “Ruffian’s Chorus.” Performances on Nov. 7, 8, and 9 in the Forbes Center, Harrisonburg.
A fall concert in tandem with the , with the treble and concert choirs each having their own sets as well as two songs in conjunction with the orchestra. This is the first time the orchestras and choirs have collaborated on stage. Performance on Nov. 23, 4 p.m., in Lehman Auditorium.
A Christmas Concert including all three performing choirs performing a collection of Celtic-themed songs. Performance on Dec. 7, 4 p.m., in Lehman Auditorium.

Carnival de Resistance brings earth-friendly performances, art, parade to Harrisonburg

Chris Edwards — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 18:23:26 +0000

Bicycles generated the necessary power, with a gently audible rhythm, for the sound system at gatherings of the recent . Volunteers, including 91��Ƶ students, took turns pedaling for the electricity.

The energetic Carnival troupe began its two-city tour with 10 days in Harrisonburg, camping on ’s lawn while promoting “creation care” through performance, artwork and service both there and at 91��Ƶ. Carnival de Resistance is a new venture, with artist-members from around the U.S. and Mexico, says member Sarah Thompson, who holds an MDiv from and is outreach coordinator for . Four main shows addressed themes of earth, air, fire and water.

At ��ѱ�’s Thomas Plaza in front of the Campus Center Wednesday, more than 100 experienced the air-themed show, titled “Out of the Whirlwind.” Featuring its creators, Jay Beck and Tevyn East as Raven and Dove, it began serendipitously as a full harvest moon emerged from clouds:

Addressing human neglect of earth

Dove (East), a wordless dancer in white robes, cradles an egg. Hatchling Raven (Beck) appears, clad in black rags. Raven’s first word is “death.” His narrative – angry, mournful, sometimes humorous – attacks humanity’s neglect of Earth:

“For the earth to stay alive, your way will have to die.”

Raven and Dove briefly dance on a biblical-type ark, but Dove gets confined to a cage. “We can scarcely fly in this soup of chemicals,” shouts Raven, who warns of angering Gaia, envisioned as the mother of Earth.

“The concepts were thought-provoking,” said ’08, an 91��Ƶ staffer who brought a church youth group to the show.

At an earlier chapel service, the troupe led a Cherokee chant to “the great spirit,” along with the adaptation of a familiar spiritual’s words “When I die, hallelujah, by and by,” to “When we live, hallelujah, how we live.”

On the Carnival’s , inspiration is attributed to an array of influences, including First Nation and African earth-centered spirituality and activist theologians Ched Myers and William Stringfellow.

Resonating with students of sustainability

91��Ƶ biology professor observed that the Carnival “links oppressed people with the oppressed earth.” The radicalism, he said, may reach some who ignore conventional messages.

Troupe members visited Yoder’s classes all week. They have committed to making no purchases while touring, relying on kindnesses when needed. The Carnival is supported both by grants and hospitality.

91��Ƶ junior Chris Lehman, an environmental sustainability major, served as one of many sound-powering bikers and directed parking. Everett Brubaker, a classmate in the same major, participated as co-president of the campus . This major has been attracting increasing numbers of students, with 30 now in the program.

Junior Erin Rheinheimer, an environmental sustainability minor and Earthkeepers member, helped make sunflower signs for a parade and enjoyed a Carnival “skill-share show.”

Lehman, who enjoyed the air show most, is considering a career in conservation or wildlife biology. Brubaker, who especially liked the Carnival parade, hopes to work in advocacy.

Gifting a mural to Cedarwood

The second-floor mural in began with images by Carnival troupe member and nomadic painter Dimitri Kadiev. These were selected by art professor from his previous works, and the two worked collaboratively on shaping the overall result.

On part of the mural, between a laundry-room window and custodial closet door, a figure with outstretched arms smiles joyfully. A river seems to flow from the figure’s heart. Nearby, a quetzal (Guatemala’s national bird) displays its tail feathers.

Gusler and Kadiev started with a yellow background, which she notes, “glows through wherever there is open space.” Next, they filled in large shapes with solid colors – blue (river and shades of sky); green (landscape); purple (mountains).

Then, Gusler had all her students participate. At Kadiev’s suggestion, they created stenciled images of living things: an owl, poppy, hibiscus, egret and butterflies. Others subsequently dipped brushes in varying shades of green, instructed to “fill the shapes, and while you do, think about the earth.”

A passing student shows a spot to a companion, noting, “I did that shape.” Cedarwood resident director Micah Hurst points to the blue space his children, 4 and 8, helped paint.

Parading down Main Street

In Thursday’s Carnival parade, imaginatively retooled bicycles rolled alongside marchers from Harrisonburg’s North Main Street to Court Square. Motorists smiled at jugglers, banners, colorful costumes and percussionists with homemade instruments.

The local “Fossil Fuel Zombies,” wearing shredded black trash bags, called for burying fossil fuels with message-bearing signs, including “Oil, oil, watch Earth boil.”

“Are you really Jesus?” someone asked Kadiev, who had lettered the name atop his paint-splattered garb. “Only a stand-in,” Kadiev smiled.

The march ended with an hour-long “Power Down and Lift Up” rally at Court Square. Local groups represented by speakers included the for sustainability, the global-warming awareness movement, , , and .

Pastor Phil Kniss, who helped pedal the sound system, explained why his church installed 125 solar panels. When believers ask “Why worry about this world?” he responds, “Because God loves this world.”

At Trinity this weekend, the Carnival will offer children’s events and a “Water Show” before bicycling to Charlottesville for its final 2013 gig. Each day’s is posted on the Carnival’s website.

Harrisonburg International Festival Archives - 91����Ƶ News

New director, a Colombian native and 91����Ƶ alumnus, now at the helm of popular Harrisonburg International Festival